Inferior Gluteal Artery Perforator Flap (IGAP Flap)

Surgeons at Houston Methodist have perfected the breast reconstruction technique called the IGAP flap, or Inferior Gluteal Artery Perforator flap (buttocks), which is an option for patients who do not have enough excess abdominal tissue for breast reconstruction after a mastectomy, or have had a previous tummy tuck surgery or liposuction. During IGAP, the surgeon reconstructs the breast using tissue from the lower part of the buttock without injury or sacrifice of the underlying gluteal muscles. A slight buttock lift results in the donor area with a fine-line incision easily hidden within the panty line. The tissue is transplanted to the breast, and a microscope is used to connect the blood vessels supplying this tissue to those at the mastectomy site in a process called microsurgical reconstruction. It is then sculpted into the new breast mound.